10 reasons to take to Ontario's Northumberland hills

A glacial event 11,000 years ago set the stage for one of southern Ontario's lesser-known but picture-perfect getaway spots. That's when the Oak Ridges moraine was formed, a geographic feature that runs from Port Hope to Brighton and is known as the Northumberland Hills. From the hills, rivers and streams flow north to Rice Lake and south to Lake Ontario. Picturesque valleys wind among them and charming communities are nestled within them. You'll find sandy beaches, nature trails, farm produce, lake fish, live theatre and meticulously cared-for architectural gems. Here are 10 places and events worth the drive:

1. Brighton: Yes, it's the home of the Big Apple -- that garish red blob you can't help but spot on your drive along Highway 401. But turn off at Highway 33 and behind the apple you'll discover the town. Presqu'ile Provincial Park boasts the nicest sandy beaches outside of Sandbanks -- and a lot less crowded -- and docks where you can buy fresh fish. Brighton is richly endowed with B&Bs, restaurants and little shops. Surrounded by some of Ontario's best apple orchards, Brighton hosts Applefest the last weekend of September. See www.brighton.ca for more.

2. Enjoy the view: Head west from Brighton along old Highway 2 to Trenear Road, turn right and the road begins to rise. As you approach Little Lake Road, stop the car and take a look at the vista behind you. You'll see the islands around Presqu'ile Park and perhaps the most panoramic view of land and water available in the hills.

3. Seek sanctuary: For a quiet respite, head back to Highway 2 and continue west. At Grafton, take Station Road to Lakeshore Road, then west to Nawautin Drive. Here you'll find the Nawautin Shores Nature Sanctuary, where a trail winds its way through restored wetland habitat and over wooden foot bridges to the shores of Lake Ontario. This island of tranquillity is a great spot to watch wildlife, including red-winged blackbirds, geese, frogs and turtles. Often, you'll find you're totally alone.

4. Take a Cobourg walkabout: Grab a cone of Cobourg's best ice cream at the end of the pier and go for a stroll. That's what Cobourg is all about. Attractions include a Saturday-morning farmers' market, the 1860s-era Victoria Hall and art gallery, a beach that's two blocks from the main street, a lakeside boardwalk and trails and downtown shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Or join a ghost walk any Friday night in July and August.

5. See converted movie theatres: In days gone by, movie-lovers flocked to the Capitol in Port Hope and the Park in Cobourg. With the coming of the multiplexes, all that changed. But fans of old cinema architecture have breathed new life into both. The refurbished Capitol has been around for several years and is known in the area for its splendid live theatre, comedy, concerts and special movie presentations. Then, a few months ago, Oshawa dinner theatre owner Rocky Varcoe opened the Art-Moderne-style Park for live performances.

6. Take a hike: A scene in Jane Urquhart's Away describes the central characters' trek through the wilderness to 19th-century Port Hope. From a hill, they are astonished at the size of the lake that's spread out before them. For similar views, take County Road 28 north from Port Hope to Bethel Grove Road. When you turn right to Williamson Road and right again to Bickle Hill Road, several spots offer lake views. For a pleasant hike, turn left at Bickle Hill and continue to the end. You'll see the ruins of an old house and a trail that winds about three kilometres up and down valleys, through a grove of sumac to County Road 18, with more lake views along the way.

7. Cruise on Rice Lake: Head north on Cobourg's Burnham Street to Gore's Landing on the shores of Rice Lake. From May to October, you can cruise the lake aboard the Caravelle II (www.fenelonboatcruises.com), embarking from the Victoria Inn. During the two-hour cruise, your captain will offer an entertaining history lesson.

8. Enjoy the Westben Arts Festival Theatre: Think of this as an upmarket country hoedown. Head east toward Campbellford; at the corner of county roads 35 and 30, you'll find a 400-seat timber frame barn (www.westben.on.ca), set in beautiful countryside of lush meadows and rolling hills. Summer concerts include everything from jazz and Bach to Broadway. On warm nights, the walls roll back to allow the music to waft over the fields.

9. Walk bouncily: Cross the Trent River at Campbellford and head south to Ferris Provincial Park. There you'll find the 100-metre Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, offering a spectacular view of the river. The bridge, modelled after the Capilano Suspension Bridge in B.C., was built by engineers from CFB Trenton and opened in 2004.

10. Go on a studio tour: The hills are alive with the sound of artists at work. And each autumn more than 40 open their studios to display their pottery, ironworks, paintings, sculptings and blown glass. Find details at www.northumberlandstudiotour.com

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